Bait

[MIBuckshot]

Hey guys/ladies heading over from the States to fish Simcoe in a few weeks. Never fished it but heard all about it, you guys should have kept quiet.

Coming over to target perch maybe put a tip-up out for pike. Just trying to get an idea on what bait you guys use most often. I am assuming minnows is the main course, however I love fishing for perch with Wigglers, are Wigglers readily available at the bait shops I believe we are staying in the area of Georgina Island.

[mainstay]

I would suggest bringing your own wigglers... Not many people sell them in this area. Good luck.

[OutdoorDave]

Minnows are gold of course. buck shots are usually my go to. jiggin raps, skud bugs, swedish pickles and most other stationary jigs will get you some results.

[spooner]

pinhead minnows best bait for simcoe perch hands down, get some bigger ones for pike. now worms i have tried them in winter and caught nothing the worms go limp in cold water and stop moving good summer bait but in winter i caught nothing

[Elrik]

I don't know of a single place that sells wigglers here. It's a crying shame as the lake has a huge mayfly population and with the perch on the mudflats all winter I am positive it is a huge food supply for them. If anyone does know a place that sells them locally please post up as I would love to give them a try.


For live bait, shiner minnows and wax worms are the two main ones used on simcoe. The perch here are big and often aggressive, and you can do very well with artificials only. Slab grabbers and simcoe bugs are two lures that are used very successfully on simcoe and there are many others that produce well.

Best of luck with your trip!

[RCRward]

I have had the best luck with minnow heads for perch.

[MIBuckshot]

I'm from the SE Michigan area so I don't know any place in CA that sells them. It tough to find them even here. The last couple years I have been buying them from a bait store in Green Bay but 400 for $40 plus shipping. As long as you separate them out and clean the water they seem to last a few weeks. The store is waiting on their license to sell in MI so once they do thats where I'll buy then.